Evaluation

Evaluation for infective endocarditis (IE) requires the following:

• blood work
• blood cultures
• ultrasound of the heart called an echocardiogram
• close monitoring

Treatment

Antibiotics are needed for many weeks to treat this type of serious infection, and the medicine may need to be delivered through an IV depending on the type of infection. Some patients may need open-heart surgery to repair or replace the infected heart valve(s). 

• If you have to leave the hospital before finishing the recommended IV medication for treatment, you can speak with your medical team about the different antibiotic options for treatment.

If IE is left untreated or if treatment is cut short, it can cause infection, death, or serious disability.